Monday Morning Mediabase Update – Feb 21-27

Thirteen is a lucky number for Idols this week with just two Idols making milestones by reaching number 13 on the chart.

First up is Mandisaa on the CAC chart who has reached top 15 with her debut single, “Stronger”, from her soon to be released album. Mandisa has carved out a steady niche for herself in the Christian music genre.

Next up is the only Idol to make Clive’s People portrait this year, Jennifer Hudson. Once again, it is a debut single this time from her sophmore album. “Where You At” is in the top 15 on the Urban AC chart.

Can “Don’t You Wanna Stay” reach top 1 this coming week or will there be more shennigans on the Country chart?

Chris Medina’s “What are Words” is currently #60 on ITunes. Will be interesting to see what type of impact his appearance on Live with Regis & Kelly has (this morning).

Awesome to see Jason Castro’s song continue to climb the CAC charts.

windmills

Kirsten: Can “Don’t You Wanna Stay” reach top 1 this coming week or will there be more shennigans on the Country chart?

DYWS has moved up to #1 Mediabase this morning (not official unless it’s there Sunday afternoon) and will officially be #1 Billboard when the Billboard Country Update comes out tomorrow. It’s not confirmed but I bet IdolsNow will confirm it soon.

As far as Mediabase, as expected the Big Evil Machine was only going for a Mediabase #1 so Back To December took a drop Sunday and is now #3 Mediabase almost 100 points behind #1 song DYWS. It’s looking like BTD may not finish higher than #3 Billboard which gives you an idea of how manipulated the Mediabase chart was.

Also as expected Brad’s This Is Country Music gained on DYWS and is only 8 points behind it on Mediabase. That’s because it had an extra countdown spin on CCUSA. Brad’s label Arista could push but my opinion is they did what they could last week and won’t be able to keep it up this week. We’ll see. IMO DYWS is in the clear to spend more than 1 week at #1 Mediabase starting this week and it’s already starting its stay at #1 Billboard this week. The song that takes over #1 from DYWS will probably be by Thompson Square. But mayyyyybe Billy Currington will get there 1st.

Big congrats Kelly on her 1st #1 hit on country radio! P.S. Next time it’d be nice if you were singing it country too ;)

fuzzywuzzy

Chris Medina’s “What are Words” is currently #60 on ITunes. Will be interesting to see what type of impact his appearance on Live with Regis & Kelly has (this morning).

Interesting that Chris is getting more promotion for himself and his new song. I wonder if he will be on Ellen? I have a feeling that other top contestants may also record a song for release when they get the boot.

SO cool that Kelly and Jason’s duet is #1! Congratulations to them both! :)

Mary102

Ok, crazy thought here, but what I don’t get about the whole Chris Medina thing is, how are they giving him all this – a single, tv appearances, etc, when he DIDN’T EVEN MAKE TOP 24!!! I mean, by that logic, at least 24 people are better than him, and have potentially more of what it takes to be a viable recording artist, so what the hell?!? In other words, if he’s really all that good, why cut him from Top 24 (short answer – he’s not really that good, and all of this is obviously AI pimpage and manipulation, shock!)

I mean, of course people have gotten deals and songs having been dropped from the competition earlier than those who didn’t, but generally of course that is in the voting rounds, and only in the cases of people who were obviously favorites and had a lot of fans and hype from the show, but just got booted early for whatever reason. Chris hardly warrants that, especially to not even make top 24.

I think that Chris’ situation is different in that some of the song’s proceeds are going to benefit Juliana. IMO, it’s a “consolation” prize and an example of the “kinder and gentler” Idol. Chris has admitted that his reason for going on AI wasn’t to win, but was to “help Juliana”, and it appears that with all of the donations from the public and now this song, he’s done that.

I agree Fuzzywuzzy; Idol is actually trying to help Chris, especially since he didn’t make top 24.

Now, I think they are not averse to drawing attention to the show through him also- his utube got a lot of hits and he might be good PR for AI.

Not a bad deal for either really; unless you are irritated by some really talented singers getting cut who never receive all that attention.
But I guess they have more time on their hands to pursue their dream, vs Chris M. who must spend a lot of hours caring for his fiance.

Elliegrll

Ok, crazy thought here, but what I don’t get about the whole Chris Medina thing is, how are they giving him all this – a single, tv appearances, etc, when he DIDN’T EVEN MAKE TOP 24!!!

They are helping him raise money to help his girlfriend. Even Chris has admitted that his vocals weren’t very good, and that he deserved to be cut, but that’s not the purpose of the single. What is strange is that anything that 19 has done is behind the scenes, so far, its mostly been Interscope that has publicly pushed the song.

And stranger than Chris’ situation is the amount of attention that Colton Dixon has received. He and Jaycee are scheduled to be on Ellen this week. Colton is getting a lot of mileage off of just a few seconds appearance during the Green Mile episode.

Eileen99

I’m of the opinion Idol took interest in Chris and his personal story, and really did want to help him out & give him this opportunity. Yeah sure, they’re benefiting, too, but I do think that wasn’t the primary motivation in all this. Sometimes we get conditioned to believe the worst of Idol but in this case, I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt & believe they wanted to do this guy a good turn.

Windmills, you win at life for your amazing prognostications on the country chart. It’s like we got a glimpse behind the curtain this past week at all the manipulations and machinations that go on with labels trying to outmaneuver competitors and strong-arm radio to impose their will. Hee, love it. Go Jason & Kelly!

J9BT

Mary102:
02/28/2011 at 9:15 am
Ok, crazy thought here, but what I don’t get about the whole Chris Medina thing is, how are they giving him all this – a single, tv appearances, etc, when he DIDN’T EVEN MAKE TOP 24!!! I mean, by that logic, at least 24 people are better than him, and have potentially more of what it takes to be a viable recording artist, so what the hell?!? In other words, if he’s really all that good, why cut him from Top 24 (short answer – he’s not really that good, and all of this is obviously AI pimpage and manipulation, shock!)

How do you know that Chris is being given something the Top 24 aren’t being given? We don’t know at this point what will happen with the 24 finalists since they are still on the show. It’s entirely possible each one will release a single upon their exit from the show. Early reports indicate the plan is to release music earlier this year, so we will have to wait and see what happens.

I agree with this response:

fuzzywuzzy:
02/28/2011 at 9:21 am
I think that Chris’ situation is different in that some of the song’s proceeds are going to benefit Juliana. IMO, it’s a “consolation” prize and an example of the “kinder and gentler” Idol. Chris has admitted that his reason for going on AI wasn’t to win, but was to “help Juliana”, and it appears that with all of the donations from the public and now this song, he’s done that.

An hour after the broadcast of Chris Medina on Regis & Kelly on the East Cost, “What are Words” is #44 on ITunes. I think it’s wonderful that Chris is being given the opportunity to release a single and at the same time help him care for his fiance. I think many people are happy to have an affordable way to contribute.

No thank you! LOL, I love you windmills, but I like Kelly’s singing just the way it is ;). Heh.

Ok, crazy thought here, but what I don’t get about the whole Chris Medina thing is, how are they giving him all this – a single, tv appearances, etc, when he DIDN’T EVEN MAKE TOP 24!!!

Maybe they just see it as a good way to promote the show as well? But yeah, in the past, I think contestants only get this kind of national press when they’re booted starting with top 12, and the bootees from the semi’s only get a smattering of those local Fox interviews, so this is a special case.

And stranger than Chris’ situation is the amount of attention that Colton Dixon has received. He and Jaycee are scheduled to be on Ellen this week. Colton is getting a lot of mileage off of just a few seconds appearance during the Green Mile episode.

Actually, this I don’t find unusual. I think Ellen makes it typical practice pretty much to invite one or two Hollywood contestants who don’t make the live shows simply because she really liked them.

girlygirl

I think Chris Medina is a special case because of his back story. A lot of the contestants get an interview or two when they are booted off the show — even some who didn’t make the semis. Most of them disappear after the first week following their elimination, though. Will Chris M’s visibility have more staying power?

ETA – His song has moved up to #32 on iTunes chart — even without performing on Regis & Kelly

car3278sweet

Are there any numbers for Lee as far as how he’s selling? And what kind of bump can he expect with his appearance this week? Will it bump him back onto the charts? Is this normal?

girlygirl

There haven’t been any numbers for Lee since his album fell off the BB Top 200. There haven’t been any sales numbers for SS in much longer, since Brian M only seems able to get numbers if a song is in the iTunes Top 200 (or is a country and Christian song)

I would expect a smallish bump for Lee when he performs this week. How much of one depends, of course, on whether the viewers like whatever it is he performs.

Trina

I think how much of a sales spike he gets will depend on the song and how well he performs. IIRC some past Idols have gotten stronger bumps than others.Even if he doesnt get a big album boost hopefully he’ll move some singles.

J9BT

girlygirl:
02/28/2011 at 12:16 pm
I think Chris Medina is a special case because of his back story. A lot of the contestants get an interview or two when they are booted off the show — even some who didn’t make the semis. Most of them disappear after the first week following their elimination, though. Will Chris M’s visibility have more staying power?

ETA – His song has moved up to #32 on iTunes chart — even without performing on Regis & Kelly

It’s now up to #27! Even though he didn’t perform on Regis & Kelly, they did discuss his single and played a brief snippet of it with the video showing in the background, and Kelly announced that she was going to buy it on ITunes as soon as the show was over. She mentioned people crying again in her audience, so my guess is the spike is due to the appearance.

tripp_ncwy

I don’t know how much of a bump Lee will see after he performs expecially for his album. I checked in my normal shopping areas Walmart, BestBuy, Target, Hastings & BestBuy this weekend. They had no Lee, Crystal, Kris or Adam (FYE) cds. Interesting enough some of them did have several David Cook (old) & Archie (old & new) cds.

How strange will it be if Medina’s charity single outperforms Lee’s and Crystal’s debut singles?

ETA – does anyone know how much of the proceeds are going to the fund for his fiancee? Is it 100%?

emmuzka

what I don’t get about the whole Chris Medina thing is, how are they giving him all this – a single, tv appearances, etc, when he DIDN’T EVEN MAKE TOP 24!!! I mean, by that logic, at least 24 people are better than him, and have potentially more of what it takes to be a viable recording artist, so what the hell?!?

One more view: It’s not competition logic, it’s money logic. It’s not about a competitor succeeding in the competition and then receiving fame and money according to his placement. It’s not about talent. It’s about AI making money. Interest gathers viewers and viewers gathers money. Asking why Chris Medina got a single and tv appearances is like asking why William Hung got them.

How strange will it be if Medina’s charity single outperforms Lee’s and Crystal’s debut singles?

Lee sold 18k his first week.

Farmer’s Daughter was never released as a single download.

Chicagolaw

What kind of bump did Allison Iraheta get on Idol last year after her performance? I would guess Lee will do about what she did.

artemis

I’m sure lots of the people buying Chris Medina’s single after his TV appearance have never heard it, and are buying because they are moved by his story and want to help. It has nothing to do with any other Idol’s talent or single sales.
I think almost all the top 12 of every Idol season can sing better than Susan Boyle, but she outsells them all, because so many were moved by her story.
The Walmarts in my area are still stocking Lee’s CD.I checked recently and they had DC and Adam’s CDs, too.

Eileen99

I don’t think one can compare Chris Medina’s single sales with any other Idol alum’s. It’s really a unique situation, somewhat similar to Let it Be & Permanent, but even then, those were charity singles for organizations, not for a specific person. Based on the iTunes position since the song was released, it seems the Idol audience is stepping up to help Chris. I’m glad.

CindyM

I think almost all the top 12 of every Idol season can sing better than Susan Boyle, but she outsells them all, because so many were moved by her story.
The Walmarts in my area are still stocking Lee’s CD.I checked recently and they had DC and Adam’s CDs, too.

Yeah, I went shopping this weekend and did my usual stroll at Walmart and Target. Both had Lee, Crystal, Adam, Carrie, Kelly and Cook. Target had Danny’s album too.

abbysee

Yeah sure, they’re benefiting, too, but I do think that wasn’t the primary motivation in all this. Sometimes we get conditioned to believe the worst of Idol but in this case, I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt & believe they wanted to do this guy a good turn.

I don’t think one can compare Chris Medina’s single sales with any other Idol alum’s.

Totally agree, on both quotes.

Trina

It doesnt matter if a song isnt made for individual download. The song is still on itunes and its the song that has a video out there and the song thats promoted to radio, no one is stopping anyone from downloading the single.

The last time I checked the music section in my Target a couple of weeks ago they had FYE, Carrie’s Play On and Carnival Ride, Crystals, Leave This Town, Fantasia’s and I was surprised to see two copies of DCTR.

CindyM

Adds are in for AAA 100%

No adds for Crystal’s Farmers Daughter. I expected to see a few adds because of the Sunset Sessions weekend before last.

really surprised Crystal isn’t getting any adds. I wonder if Jive is thinking of releasing a second single that would be more radio friendly? Her sales have been decent, but if she got any radio play, that would give her album a better chance of selling well down the line

ETA – looks like Kim Caldwell’s single has stalled too.
Anyone know if the Glee original songs are getting a bunch of adds?

tinawina

Adds are in for AAA 100%

No adds for Crystal’s Farmers Daughter. I expected to see a few adds because of the Sunset Sessions weekend before last.

That song is done. **takes fork, sticks in**

Valentin432

Jason & Kelly – DYWS 3 adds, 2 HAC, 1 Canadian Country

Small correction, the canadian add is in HAC, not country.

Elliegrll

Anyone know if the Glee original songs are getting a bunch of adds?

So far it has 6 HAC adds, including the Los Angeles station, KBIG.

Eileen99

That song is done. **takes fork, sticks in**

Agreed. Not only did it get not a single AAA, HAC or Country add this week, among stations that haven’t added it, it got no AAA spins last week, no Country spins, and only one spin apiece from WTMX Chicago & KMXB Las Vegas (both are HAC). After all the radio PR Crystal’s done and after all this time, it’s clear radio’s not interested in playing this single.

Time to move on.

Q3

girlygirl:
02/28/2011 at 6:54 pm

really surprised Crystal isn’t getting any adds. I wonder if Jive is thinking of releasing a second single that would be more radio friendly? Her sales have been decent, but if she got any radio play, that would give her album a better chance of selling well down the line

JMHO and I like Crystal’s album, there is nothing really suitable for promotion to HAC or Top 40/CHR radio on her album. And I do not believe that the big audience for her album is listening to broadcast radio.